Making Lemon Water? Don't Forget This Step

Is it really just lemon… in water? (Photo: Getty Images)

At this point, you’ve probably heard about the lemon water trend.

It’s one of those wellness fads that actually has some real science to back it up. Health experts say that it really does help with digestion due to its acidic nature. It helps to slow absorption of food, which conserves insulin stores in the body and ensures your body gets the most out of the food it’s processing. It also provides a mega dose of vitamin C. (Just make sure to drink it with a meal and/or with a straw to lessen its negative effects on your teeth enamel!)

But you may be wondering: Is it really just as simple as sticking a lemon slice in a glass of water?

Sorry to burst your bubble, you’re not “drinking lemon water” every time you sit down at a restaurant and the waiter or waitress hands you a glass of water with a lemon wedge in it. The key to lemon water is to actually squeeze some of that lemon juice in the water, says nutritionist Keri Glassman, MS, RN, CDN, found of Nutritious Life and the Nutrition School.

Related: Lemon Water For Digestion: Legit Or Quit?

“Squeezing the lemon in the water means you are actually getting the benefits of the lemon,” Glassman tells Yahoo Health. “Yes, you will get some from placing lemon wedges in your water, but not as much.”

When water tastes better, we want drink more, and squeezing the lemon in the water can improve the taste, she adds. “Lemon water (warm) can also give your GI tract the push it needs in the a.m. to get things moving and also reduce fluid retention.”

And don’t be afraid to add some lemon zest (rind) into your glass. “Lemon rind itself is also loaded with vitamin C and enzymes,” Glassman says. “Toss it in and don’t be afraid to eat it. Just make sure you wash it well before tossing it in.” 

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